Beyond Bigotry

Radical anti-Semites of the 21st century have a goal: the extermination of the Middle East’s Jewish state.

Israel is at war, and if Israel were to be defeated, much of the world would not shed wet tears. What would happen after such a defeat? No one can seriously doubt that Hamas has genocidal intentions.

Abdallah Jarbu, Hamas’s deputy minister of religion, recently asserted that Jews “want to present themselves to the world as if they have rights, but, in fact, they are foreign bacteria -- a microbe unparalleled in the world.” Jarbu thien offered this prayer: “May He annihilate this filthy people who have neither religion nor conscience.”

“May He annihilate this filthy people who have neither religion nor conscience.” Abdallah Jarbu, Hamas’s deputy minister of religion

Jarbu is restating what Hamas’s Iranian sponsors have been saying for years. Kayhan, the newspaper that speaks for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, recently called Israel a “cancerous tumor” that must be excised from “the Islamic Middle East.” The goal, Kayhan added, must be Israel’s “total annihilation from the political geography of the region.”

Let’s stipulate that not all those who support the Gaza “Freedom Flotilla” would welcome a second Holocaust. But let’s acknowledge, too, that those who do not endorse genocide feel it unnecessary to distance themselves from those who do.

The American journalist Helen Thomas was videotaped last week saying that Israelis should return to “Germany and Poland.” What was shocking here was not Thomas’s anti-Semitism (long well known) but that she was echoing, with just a tad more subtlety, the message purportedly radioed last week from the flotilla’s Turkish flagship to the Israelis: “Shut up, go back to Auschwitz.”

Despite such evidence, most media have been reporting that those aboard the flotilla were on a “humanitarian mission,” attempting to deliver needed aid. Few have mentioned that Palestinians already are the largest per capita recipients of foreign aid in the world. Israel itself delivers as much as 15,000 tons of aid to Gazans every week. More comes from the U.S. and Europe via the United Nations, which has a massive relief operation in Gaza -- to which the Turks have contributed but a pittance, as my colleague Claudia Rosett has pointed out.

A Washington Post reporter in Gaza last week noted that “grocery stores are stocked wall-to-wall with everything from fresh Israeli yogurts and hummus to Cocoa Puffs. Pharmacies look as well-supplied as a typical Rite Aid in the United States.”

“War is peace,” George Orwell wrote in 1984. In 2010, war activists are peace activists.

The reporter added, however, thatGaza has become “a mini-welfare state.” That indicates that what is needed is not relief but development -- not shiploads of free food but paying jobs. And that, in turn, requires investment in factories, businesses, and agriculture. Gaza lacks such investment because it is ruled by Hamas, which, again, is at war with Israel. Hamas leaders reject any and all steps that might lead to peace. Abdallah Jarbu has laid out the Hamas position clearly: “I condemn whoever believes in normalizing relations with [Israelis], whoever supports sitting down with them, and whoever believes that they are human beings. They are not human beings. They are not people.”

One of the flotilla’s organizers, Greta Berlin, a 68-year-old American with a background in theater and communications, was candid enough to acknowledge that the flotilla’s primary purpose was not to deliver aid but to stop Israel from inspecting cargo heading for Gaza. Israel does that in order to reduce the number of missiles, explosives, and other weapons Hamas receives. In other words, Berlin wants to increase Hamas’s ability to wage war against Israel -- knowing that more Israelis and more Palestinians will be killed as a result. “War is peace,” George Orwell wrote in 1984. In 2010, war activists are peace activists. Actually, it’s worse: Even arms smugglers are peace activists -- so long as they are smuggling arms to be used to murder Israelis.

Ah, but the root cause of this conflict is Israeli “occupation,” isn’t it? Except that the conflict began long before Egypt, Jordan, and Israel’s other Arab neighbors launched a war intended to wipe Israel off the map in 1967. That led to Israel taking Gaza from Egypt and the West Bank from Jordan. Never in history had these “Palestinian territories” been ruled by Palestinian Arabs.

Five years ago, Israel withdrew from Gaza -- every soldier and farmer, leaving behind only productive greenhouses, which Gazans soon destroyed. Had they not done so, Gazans could now be exporting food rather than importing missiles.

Note, too, that on the West Bank, where Israel’s security forces work quietly with those of the Palestinian Authority, the economy is booming. At 7 percent, its annual economic growth rate is among the highest in the world.

The quaint idea that, having learned the lessons of the Holocaust, civilized people would “never again” tolerate genocide has become a cruel joke.

Do such facts matter? The fever of anti-Israelism seems to be rising too fast to be reduced by the cold compress of truth. Jew-hatred is increasingly acceptable, even fashionable, not just in the Middle East but in Europe and in some of America’s finer salons -- and journals and blogs. And now, apparently, interest in a “final solution” -- to borrow Hitler’s apt phrase -- is emerging as well. Helen Thomas’s sudden retirement is unlikely to significantly slow that trend.

The quaint idea that, having learned the lessons of the Holocaust, civilized people would “never again” tolerate genocide has become a cruel joke -- one repeated in Cambodia, Kurdistan, Rwanda, the Balkans, Darfur, and beyond.

Radical anti-Semites of the 20th century had a goal: the extermination of Europe’s Jews. Radical anti-Semites of the 21st century also have a goal: the extermination of the Middle East’s Jewish state. Opposing the former is so much less demanding than opposing the latter.

Visitor Comments: 18

(18)
,
June 20, 2010 4:00 PM

Friend of Israel

XOXOXO...I love you Israel.....XOXOXO

(17)
Beverly Kurtin,
June 16, 2010 4:06 AM

Jew Hate is the proper term

Katy, the REAL term is Jew Hate. Calling it anti-Semitism is too polite, and there are other Semitic people in addition to Jews. It is up to you, me and every other Jew to start fighting back with everything we have. I hand out business cards that say: Genesis 12:3 "I will bless them (the Jews) that bless them and curse them that curse them." Whenever possible I ask, "Why do you hate Gd? Jews have done so much to make your life better...Polio was cured, cell phones were developed in Israel, Laptop computers use chips that are designed and built in Israel. Israel has made your life better through drugs that were developed in Israel, I could go on and on, but think about this: Jews have been awarded 129 Nobel prizes, the Arabs have won only seven. Who is having a better impact on your life, the Jews or the Arabs who lie about us.
Gd said that the world would be blessed through the Jews. They have, so why believe the outrageous lies of the Arabs or the proof of your own eyes?

(16)
TMay,
June 15, 2010 5:18 PM

People will be surprised

People will be surprised to find out that Israel was carrying out a weapons inspection protocol of the UN Security Council resolution #1860 of 1/09.

(15)
ladydi,
June 15, 2010 11:27 AM

I am so disgusted with hearing the insults and threats thrown at the Jews.....they must fight back and not let another Holoaust happen.......

(14)
Niso Benalkabes,
June 14, 2010 10:34 PM

Hitler"s Echoes Again

I am sorry to add that, during the two weeks of flotilla crisis, in Turkey, many and many "friends" forwarded messages and mottos from Hitler, especially one of them which says: "One day, you will regret because I didnt kill all Jews".
This kind of fascist and untolerable statements are being echoed by even the most educated people" s facebook profiles, twits, etc.
Pity is that the world has still not arrived to "humanistic" ideals, and we are part of that guilt.

(13)
Katie,
June 14, 2010 8:41 PM

Let us call it by the correct name.

This is not anti-Israel it is anti-Semitism. If it was really about "human rights", Gaza would be very low on their list.
It is about the right to kill Jews where ever and when ever they want to. All the participants on those ships knew that AND would do so.

(12)
Rachel,
June 14, 2010 5:07 PM

Support for Israel from surprising sources

Ultra-liberal Bill Maher stood up for Israel's right to keep ships possibly carrying weapons out of Gaza!

(11)
Paul,
June 13, 2010 9:11 PM

I am utterly disgusted by the surge in the vicious antisemitism that has gone on a global scale. The call for the boycott and destruction of the state of Israel by these radical 'peace activists' and their sympathizers is truly despicable . Surely when will this horrible state of affairs end?

(10)
Anonymous,
June 13, 2010 9:08 PM

Hatred never wins

I am not Jewish, so perhaps my perspective can be considered a bit more objective. Those who are radically anti-Semitic are self-loathing, even though they don’t realize it. Hatred does far more damage to the ones who hate than to their target of hatred. Just look at the bitterness in their words above, and hence in the lives they lead. They actually get a masochistic pleasure out of suffering, out of playing “victim” to the “bad” Israelis. I cannot imagine how any of these individuals can be happy in any way.
It may take a long time, but Israel WILL win this war and the all-consuming hatred of those who are obsessed with destroying Israel and the Jews--this hatred--will be their defeat. Believe me, it cannot be otherwise.

(9)
Rowena Osmond,
June 13, 2010 9:07 PM

We're on the case

Some Christians are certainly aware of the points you raise, and seek to address the lies in the media and in our contacts.
I wasn't alive during the Shoah but certainly can't stand idly by whilst history attempts to repeat itself.
You kindly didn't mention years of wrong teaching in the church that gave rise to anti-semitism.
We're on to that too.
You are absolutely right.
This bigotry is hatred of G-d.Nothing personal.
Yet G-d has promised to bring full redemption at such a time as this.

(8)
Mike Lampard,
June 13, 2010 8:58 PM

It will not happen

History will teach us the no one has yet exterminated the Jews. Those who have so attempted have themselves eventually come to grief. All empires, includuing the British Empire have fallen once they betrayed the Jews. nevertheless, Jewish suffering is horrific and has been throughout the centuries. I personally do not believe ANYONE will succeed it destroying the Jewsish state. Look at the Bible: the prohet Amos ch. 9: once Israel returns to the land they will NEVER be again dispersed. We need to believe the Bible and believe the TRUTH! The media lies about Israel determines that we have to battle for the truth. Israel's existence is based and is to be seen as based on TRUTH whatever idiot politicians and academics might try to tell us.

(7)
,
June 13, 2010 8:00 PM

All Jewish people and all that love Judaism and would protect and defend Jewish people and Judaism plus the State of Israel must take that stand. If ever I hear evil remarks I say something to stop them. Most predators are cowards if not all and I have never backed down from predators. I never will. Even though I am on my own in my studies because of straight shooting remarks, my attitude is that I love Judaism and I will never stop. I love the Jewish people as a whole and I will never stop. I will defend Judaism as a way of life, the Jewish state's right to exist and I will never stop and my studies... I will never stop no matter who rejects me, and will not listen to me nor protect me. It has always been like that and I know, without a doubt that the G-d that guided the people of Israel out of bondage is the G-d that guides me. I am too old to be coy, I beg for instruction, G-d with me is the constant and that will never stop. Israel must be strong and I heard someone say on a program that Israeli Defense should not have Orthodox Rabbis guiding them... first I said outloud, WHAT? Second, I said that the Rabbis are there to guide as scholars of Jewish law for the benefit of Israel following G-d's laws presented to the people of Israel by G-d. Who knows them better than the Orthodoxy? I would give my life for the Jewish people that I so very dearly love as a whole. And, I truly mean that and G-d knows that too. I think I am in pretty great company. Thank you, Kathy

(6)
Dan,
June 13, 2010 7:58 PM

The new anti-semitisim vs. the old

In previous generations anti-Semitism was an outlet for the uneducated, povertry-stricken, oppresessed masses. While there is still plenty of the old-fashioned anti-Semitism around (particularly in the Muslim Arab world), today's anti-Semitism, cleverly disguised as anti-Zionism, is an ideology championed by the academic, political, and intellectual Left; basically, the elite of society. The universities that shape the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow are infested with Jew-haters who hide behind "free speech" and "academic freedom." Other Leftist consituencies, such as the "feminist" and "gay" movements, align against Israel, despite that fact that Israel is the only Middle Eastern country that allows them to express their views and their lifestyle, while in their beloved Gaza they would be put to death. To attack Israel is to attack the Jews, and to attack the Jews is to attack G-d. We must not only expose the Jew-hating elite for what it is, but we must also increase our Torah learning, mitzvot, and acts of kindness in order to hasten the coming of Mashiach.

(5)
D Stenberg,
June 13, 2010 7:43 PM

The political means change - the goal remains the same

Destruction of Jews - all Jews, is the ultimate goal. Modern Anti-semites use the term anti- zionism as their euphemism and as their justification for our destruction, claiming it will bring world peace. During the Shoah it was politically correct to kill Jews for the lofty goal of "racial purity" in order to make the world a better place "genetically". During the time of the "enligtenment" the goal of eradication was sought through political assimilation which they thought at the time would end our nationhood. A similar theme is found in the protestant reformation where conversion was seen as the way to destroy us. Its all the same, regardless of the means or the political correctness of the particular era. We are the chosen people and the rest of the world will not forgive us for that special relationship we have with Hashem before Moshiach puts an end to their hatred, may that day come soon.

(4)
Anonymous,
June 13, 2010 6:42 PM

Fear Not

We love you jewish people on behalf of the Christians of America........" Be still and know, I am God."

(3)
ruth housman,
June 13, 2010 5:41 PM

outrageous comments

I don't think people who make such comments, using terms like "vermin" to refer to other human beings, have any notion of what humanity is all about, and I have a lot of trouble, listening to the constant evil rhetoric of hate. And such rhetoric seems couched in religiosity, too.
The terror comes from within, from people who somehow forgot their humanity.
It seems nothing ever changes but it remains the same. I cannot listen to the vitriol of hate, that is an acid, a corroding acid that somehow seems to have a life of its own. How can anyone own such feelings?
Sadly, there are those who do. Yes, you would think history would somehow assert itself, change direction, and make a deep statement about what matters. I think it's time for a "see" change in this notion of what constitutes humanity.
I just don't know how it's going to happen.

(2)
Anonymous,
June 13, 2010 3:21 PM

If we think we can, we can

We need to think positive. We don't need to say we can't stop this, or it will not cease. That would make everyone throw up their hands and surrender. It can change and we need to believe that and do what we can to stop antisemitism. I do think Helen's retirement will make a dent. Each time we speak up against antisemitism, each time we defend Israel, we are making a difference. Going to the root causes and digging up those bad trees will clear the air. Every time we expose their lies, we are making a difference, even when they come up with more. We continue the process of exposing the new lies.

(1)
Anonymous,
June 13, 2010 10:21 AM

Mistaken notion

The goal of the 21st century anti-Semite is NOT to exterminate Israel. It is to ultimately exterminate all Jewry. To think otherwise is simply naive - - and dangerous.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
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